If you're a cat owner, it's important to know how to tell if your cat is pregnant. Cats are known to be great at hiding their pregnancy, which makes it difficult to detect without careful observation.
How to Tell if a Cat Is Pregnant
Knowing the signs of pregnancy can help you prepare for the arrival of new kittens and provide proper care for your pregnant cat. In this article, we'll explore how to tell if a cat is pregnant and what you can do to support her during this time.
1. Changes in Appetite
A pregnant cat's appetite may increase or decrease during the early stages of pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses, your cat's appetite may become more consistent or even increase further.
2. Swollen Nipples
Around two to three weeks into pregnancy, a cat's nipples will become pink and swollen. This is one of the earliest and most noticeable signs of pregnancy.
3. Changes in Behavior
Pregnant cats may become more affectionate or irritable, depending on their personality. They may also become more vocal or seek more attention than usual.
4. Weight Gain
Pregnant cats will gain weight as the pregnancy progresses. However, it's important to note that weight gain alone is not a definitive sign of pregnancy, as cats can also gain weight due to other factors like overfeeding or lack of exercise.
5. Affection increases
It's possible that your cat will become more affectionate than usual and will constantly nag you for attention. Please do give it to her! Your pregnant cat may, however, become less accepting of the other house pets during this time.
6. Increased Sleep Patterns
Your cat will spend more time sleeping when she is pregnant. If you notice your cat napping more often throughout the day, then it’s possible she is pregnant.
7. Restlessness
Your cat may exhibit indications of restlessness 24 to 48 hours before giving birth. The indicators of discomfort include pacing back and forth, being restless, hanging close to her nest, and other behaviors.
8. Nesting Behavior
Your cat will seek for peaceful, secluded areas to give birth when she gets ready to deliver her litter. If other animals start to intrude on her territory, you might also observe her being more possessive toward them.